'No one can predict the harmful effects of GM crops'

Minister of Science and Technology (Science and Technology) Nguyen Quan said that only time will be able to answer this issue.

Talking to the press at a conference held on 25/12 in Hanoi, Minister Nguyen Quan said, currently, in the world as well as in Vietnam, there are still two opposing views about modified crops. genes.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan.(Photo: Le Van)

" A view to support the development of genetically modified crops to adapt to climate change, epidemics is increasing. However, the other view is that, genetically modified crops have not been studied, Full assessment , "said Minister Quan.

"There is no scientific study in the world that confirms how transgenic crops have a long-term impact on humans. Although short-term studies are available, " Minister Quan added.

For this reason, some countries now prohibit planting and trading of GM crops. Meanwhile, some countries do not prohibit.

Minister Nguyen Quan said that in Vietnam, genetically modified crops are also studied a lot, many varieties are imported and there are also many genetically modified plants created.

" However, the introduction of genetically modified crops into major crops on a large and large area needs to be very careful ," Quan said. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) after a long time of testing only recognized 3 genetically modified corn varieties. " Other issues must continue to be studied ."

" No one can predict the harmful effects of genetically modified plants on humans. Only time can be answered ," Quan said.

Actively create genetically modified plants

There are currently 3 genetically modified corn varieties licensed in Vietnam.

Minister Nguyen Quan also said, for the research and development of genetically modified crops, in the topics assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology to MARD, there are two major orientations: First, to study the effects of crops. Genetically modified for human health . Secondly, Vietnam needs to study its own mastery of genetically modified technology to create genetically modified crops.

According to Mr. Quan, genetically modified crops are characterized by not being able to breed, they must buy seeds and these varieties degrade very quickly despite low productivity.

" If we have to buy seeds from foreign countries, we will be heavily dependent. Because if they do not provide or supply unsecured seeds, the losses of the agricultural sector will be very large, " Mr. Quan said.

Information Minister of Science and Technology, the whole of Europe now opposes genetically modified crops very fiercely because they believe that multinational corporations can control their country with plant varieties . If these companies stop providing seeds, the agricultural system will suffer huge losses.

" Therefore, we are forced to create genetically modified crops to benefit people ," Mr. Quan concluded.

In Vietnam, there are only three genetically modified corn varieties licensed, including: genetically modified corn MON 89034 and NK603 of Dekalb Vietnam, belonging to Monsato Group and GA21 corn variety of Syngenta Vietnam Co., Ltd.

In particular, the variety MON 89034 has resistance to some insect pests (Lepidoptera) such as stem borers (Ostrinia furnacalis), corn borers (Helicoverpa armigera) and cavities (Spodoptera litura). NK603 and GA21 are resistant to herbicides.

In addition, according to Joint Circular No. 45 between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, issued at the end of November 2015, since January 2016, genetically modified foods are available in less Most of the ingredients of genetically modified materials greater than 5% of the total materials used must be labeled when circulating in the Vietnamese market.